Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - General
Questions about tax incentives and energy rebates?
Q: Where can I get information on tax incentives?
A: http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/ECMD/CleanEnergyTaxIncentives/cleanenergytaxincentives.htm
Q: Where do I get information about energy rebates?
A: http://www.pnm.com/rebates/home.htm
Questions about USGBC New Mexico:
Q: How do I join the Chapter?
A: To join our chapter, or see detailed information on our membership categories, please visit our Membership page.
Q: Do I have to be a LEED accredited professional to be a member of USGBC New Mexico?
A: No, members come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We welcome all levels of experience and interests in green building.
Q: What is the difference between chapter membership and national membership?
A: Individuals join their local Chapter. Membership in the New Mexico Chapter allows any individual, regardless of whether or not his or her company is a member, to participate in the chapter and take advantage of local chapter benefits. Companies and organizations join USGBC national , permitting all full-time employees of member companies to participate in USGBC activities on a national basis and enjoy all the benefits accorded to National members. These company's employees also receive a discount on their Chapter Membership.
Q: What educational events can I attend?
A: USGBC-NM offers many educational events including LEED workshops, seminars, study sessions, tours, monthly luncheons, and salons. You can find a full listing of events on the chapter event calendar.
Q: How can I become involved with the Chapter?
A: There are many opportunities to become involved in Chapter activities, including joining one of our committees, volunteering your time, or participating in chapter events. If you aren't sure where to begin, please contact our Executive Director, Cricket Appel, for more ideas.
Q: What sponsorship opportunities are available?
A: The Chapter has numerous tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities available for businesses and individuals, including annual sponsorships and event sponsorships at vaying levels of financial support. Please visit the Sponsorship page or contact our Executive Director, Cricket Appel, for more details.
Questions about LEED:
Q: What is LEED?
A: The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction, and operations. LEED is transforming the marketplace by providing a nationally recognized certification system to promote integrated, whole-building design practices in the building industry.
Q: What types of buildings can use LEED?
A: LEED certification is available for all building types including new construction and major renovation, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core & shell, schools and homes. LEED systems for neighborhood development and retail are currently in pilot test and a rating system for healthcare is currently under development.
Q: How does LEED work?
A: LEED is a point based system where projects earn LEED points for satisfying specific green building criteria. Within each of the six LEED credit categories, projects must satisfy particular prerequisites and earn points. The six categories include Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design. The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED Certification the project receives. LEED certification is available in four progressive levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Q: Can products be certified under LEED?
A: No, LEED applies to green building projects. Individual products can contribute to points under the rating system; LEED criteria are performance-based. In attempting to meet these requirements, LEED practitioners identify products that have desired attributes. However, some LEED criteria do require specific product data as a part of a successful submittal.
Q: How do I register my project to pursue LEED certification?
A: Registering a LEED project is the first step toward earning LEED certification. Once registered, project teams receive information, tools, and communications that will help guide them through the certification process. Project teams can register through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) website at www.gbci.org. GBCI is currently accepting registrations for all versions of LEED 2009. The process is handled entirely via the new version of LEED-Online.
Q: What are the benefits of LEED certification?
A: LEED certification is third-party validation of a building’s performance. LEED certified projects blend environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance. They cost less to operate and maintain; are energy- and water-efficient; have higher lease up rates than conventional buildings in their markets; are healthier and safer for occupants; and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them. Visit http://www.usgbc.org for more details.